Australia‘s Kostya Tszyu is thrilled to be selected for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining the heavyweight legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez in the impressive 2010 class.
This esteemed recognition arrives merely five years after Tszyu’s final fight—despite his persistent hesitance to acknowledge retirement—and serves as a tribute to a career during which he dominated the junior welterweight division for nearly five years.
Voting for the inductees was conducted by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America, as well as a group of international boxing historians.
In addition to Tyson, whose tenure as the world’s most intimidating heavyweight was marked by a dramatic downfall, Tszyu was recognized alongside the Mexican three-division champion Chavez.
“This news is unbelievably fantastic,” Tszyu expressed. “I find myself at a loss for words. My emotions are beyond description.
“My aim has always been to ensure that the spectators found joy in my performances, a dedication that has persisted throughout my life.
“Today, I remain actively involved in boxing, as the sport has offered me so much.
“Being inducted alongside legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, and my good friend Jeff Fenech is an immense, immense honor.”
Having emigrated from Russia to Australia in 1991, Tszyu brought with him an extensive amateur background and later turned professional, achieving a record of 31-2 with 25 knockouts.
He earned recognition as the unified world champion following a second-round TKO victory over Zab Judah in 2001, in addition to clinching significant victories against Chavez, Sharmba Mitchell, Calvin Grove, Roger Mayweather, and Rafael Ruelas.
Also receiving Hall of Fame honors were Mexican trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, referee Joe Cortez, and screenwriter and actor Sylvester Stallone.
Buford Balony says: A commendable choice by boxing authorities this time.
